While we’ve seen paparazzi snaps from the set of Ron Howard‘s Formula 1 racing drama “Rush” — or rather, “epic action drama” if you go by the official synopsis — the film’s website has unveiled the first official photos from the film. Written by Peter Morgan (“Hereafter,” “The Queen“), “Rush” reteams the “Frost/Nixon” writing directing team for a re-creation of the merciless 1970s Formula 1 rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, played by “The Avengers” and “Snow White and the Huntsman” starChris Hemsworth, and Daniel Brühl, known for his turn in Quentin Tarantino‘s “Inglourious Basterds.”

Here’s the official synopsis:

The epic action-drama stars Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers) as the charismatic Englishman James Hunt and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) as the disciplined Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda, whose clashes on the Grand Prix racetrack epitomized the contrast between these two extraordinary characters, a distinction reflected in their private lives. Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed—handsome English playboy Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Lauda. Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, Rush follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error. If you make one mistake, you die.

“Rush” just received its release date yesterday, which is September 20th, 2013. That kicks it out of the 2012 Oscar race, obviously, but places it in contention for a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next year. The picture also co-stars Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Christian McKay and “Game of Thrones” star Natalie Dormer. [via “Rush” official site]